Question
Hi Wayne, I bought a phalaenopsis 2 months ago. The leaves are now shriveling. I pot it in orchid bark, and water once a week. Also have a dry well under the pot. It has sent 3 new roots since I bought it, but the original roots are all stone hard and dry. Is it dying? What do I need to do now? Your answer will be greatly appreciated. Regards, Victoria

Answer
Victoria, clearly your plant's potting mix is not staying moist enough. Both shriveling leaves and the dry roots are trying to tell you that.  Orchid potting mix contains not only fir bark but other ingredients that help to retain moisture in the potting mix.  If you were using fir bark without any of these other ingredients, the potting mix is staying too dry. Many times, fresh orchid potting mix must be soaked for a couple of hours before use.  That is because fir bark, when it is dry, actually repels water.  If you used a formulated orchid potting mix, I recommend that you unpot your plant and soak the plant in room temperature water until its roots are green.  Then, also soak the orchid potting mix for a couple of hours before repotting. If you just used straight fir bark, I recommend that you purchase orchid potting mix and replace the old potting mix after you have soaked the new potting mix.  Water once per week but water thoroughly soaking every thing well (in the morning), allowing the pot to drain before putting it back in its growing location.